Standards and Standard Bearers

Caerleon's Roman Legion

The aquila,
a golden eagle was the standard for the legion. This only left camp
when the whole legion set out. It was carried by the Aquilifer. Photo courtesy of the Gemina Project.

Above left: Each century had its own
standard, called a signum. This was carried by the signifer. Above right: When a detachment was
sent out they took a vexillum, a flag type standard. This showed
which Legion they belonged to. It was carried by the vexillarius.

Above left: Standards
helped the troops to keep in the right positions during battle.
The cornicen also gave commands by sounding different signals on
his large circular horn called a cornu.Above right: The Legion carried a portrait of the
emperor, the imago, this was to remind the troops they owed their
loyalty to him. The bearer was called the imaginifer.